Changed minds and demographics may contribute to shift in national opinion about gay marriage
Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 03/21/2013
Last Updated:
65 days ago
A national survey says the country views same-sex marriage more favorably because of a shift among people who know someone who is gay or who have changed their views as they grow older.
The Pew Research Center poll also finds that a large group of younger adults are more open to gay rights and are driving the numbers up. The issue grabbed the national spotlight recently with the public embrace of same-sex marriage by Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton and Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio.
Overall, the poll finds 49 percent of Americans favor same-sex marriage. That includes 14 percent who said they had changed their minds.
When asked why, almost one-third said they know someone who is gay. A quarter said their personal views changed over time.
Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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